Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by Henry @ The Getaway Lounge
This post is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a high level of accuracy.
Just how strict is Delta with carry on size and weight?
It’s a question many people ask themselves before they board their flight, so we did a little research and here’s what we found:
When it comes to carry on size, Delta are fairly strict. And if your bag looks too big, there’s a good chance you will have to demonstrate whether it fits in the sizer, and so we recommend taking precautions for peace of mind.
And if you’re looking for a compliant bag – we recommend this Maximum Allowance Suitcase on Amazon.
To avoid delays and possible checked baggage fees, you must adhere to the following:
(approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″, or 56 x 35 x 23 cm)
In addition to your main carry on, each passenger may take a smaller item on board.
Examples on their website include items such as a purse or laptop bag for example.
But in reality, you can take a little bit more than that if you wanted to.
A small backpack for instance could give you a bit more room for your essentials!
Besides, there are no specific size or weight restrictions here, so just be sensible about it.
As long as this personal item is easily carried and stowed underneath the seat in front of you, you shouldn’t have any problems getting it through the gate.
Generally speaking, you can take all your toiletries through security as long as each bottle contains no more than 100ml / 3.4 fl. oz.
They must fit comfortably into one see-through, re-sealable bag no larger than 20 x 20cm / 7.8 x 7.8in.
For more details on restrictions and exceptions please see this page.
Delta do not enforce any restrictions when it comes to the weight of your carry on.
So, that’s one less worry – meaning you only have to concentrate on the dimensions.
No is the simple answer.
Certainly not if your main bag is that of a suitcase, or a hard shell.
Besides, if Delta decide to undergo a quick spot check at the gate, you wouldn’t be able to squeeze it into the steel cage should you be required to!
With that said, you might get away with it using a soft-edged bag like a backpack for instance.
This way you might be able to squeeze your carry on into the sizer if required to.
But even then, it’s a risk and you might still have to pay extra.
If you decide to take a risk and get caught out, the penalties can be fairly significant.
In many cases, it would cost you less to invest in a compliant bag!
If you’d like to find out more information relevant to your route and fare type, please see this page on Delta’s website.
This Maximum Allowance suitcase is great value for money and ensures you are fully compliant with Delta’s carry on limits.
Other features include:
There’s a good chance they’ll be checking passengers for oversized bags.
Therefore, we recommend taking precautions and investing in a fully compliant bag like the one above.
With that said – if you’re going to risk it with Delta using an oversized bag – make sure it’s a soft-sided bag which you might be able to squeeze into the sizer.
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